Steamed Persimmon Pudding

3 cups persimmon pulp
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp. cinnamon
8 Tbs. butter
4 cups flour
6 1/2 tsp. baking soda (this IS right amount)
1/3 cup sweet milk
1 cup raisins
1 cup nuts

Add ingredients in order they are listed. Steam 2 hours. Put into 4 (number 2 1/2) cans, greased. Will be very dark when cooked. Stand cans on lids in large kettle with lid. Put water half way up on the cans. Pudding will rise 2 1/2 to 3 inches so leave room.

Sauce:
1 cup brown sugar
1/8 cube butter

Topping:
Mix 2 Tbs. cornstarch in sugar. 2 cups water or apple juice or cherry juice. If cherry or apple juice use 1/4 teaspoon almond flavoring, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Mix all together and cook 2 minutes.